For Immediate Release

August 7, 2026

Salt Lake City, Utah – 

The Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah (HEAL Utah), researchers from Utah State University and State University of New York-College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and Utah Youth Environmental Solutions (UYES) invite community members, families, and advocates to attend a free DIY Air Purifier Build and participate in a Great Salt Lake research study. These events will take place on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026 from 6:00-8:00pm in Ogden (Ogden Library, 2464 Jefferson Ave, Ogden, UT 84401) and Kearns (Kearns Library, 4275 W 5345 S, Kearns, UT 84118) on Thursday, August 13th. 

 

As of August 6th, about 10 active wildfires are being tracked in Utah with 9 large wildfires contributing and compounding already poor air quality conditions and prolonged heat waves across the state. Our air quality suffers from these fires.  Poor air quality causes negative health impacts ranging from short-term exposure effects of coughing and shortness of breath, as well as acute life-threatening events like asthma attacks, stroke, and heart attacks; to the effects of long term exposure with the development of diseases like lung cancers, diabetes, and cardiopulmonary disease. Living in a place that frequently has poor air quality ups your exposure and increases the risk of long term and life threatening health impacts, as well as the exacerbation of other underlying conditions.

 

At the same time, a drying lake also contributes to air quality issues. Dust particles from the Great Salt Lake playa are making their way into communities through wind and dust events. HEAL has partnered with USU and SUNY-ESF researchers to explore how residents are experiencing issues tied to the drying of Great Salt Lake, including dust. Through different interactive research methods, attendees can express their concerns and support for different strategies for managing the lake and the impacts of lake drying.

 

As budgets and regulations for environmental protections are chipped away, we’re bracing for worsening air quality and further decline of the Great Salt Lake. HEAL Utah, USU, and UYES believe informed communities have power in shaping our own futures, even with something as small as improving their own indoor air quality. If your community is feeling the impact, this is an opportunity to get informed, get connected, and take action! Part of this event includes making DIY air filters (free of charge!) that you can take home to improve your indoor air quality.

 

These events will include an opportunity to participate in an interactive research exercise aimed at generating community-led ideas for addressing current Great Salt Lake issues, a presentation on air quality, health impacts, and current state policy updates, followed by a hands-on DIY Air Purifier workshop to help protect your home and your community from harmful pollutants. This event is free and open to all ages! However, research activity participants must be 18+ but kid friendly activities will be available.. Dinner and supplies will be provided for free, and all participants will be compensated with a $25 gift card. 

 

Event title: CASC Study DIY Air Purifier Event

Where: Ogden Library – Main Classroom B 2464 Jefferson Ave Ogden, UT 84401

When: August 12th, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 pm

 

Event title: CASC Study DIY Air Purifier Event

Where: Kearns Branch Library – Classroom #1 4275 West 5345 South Kearns, Utah 84118

When: August 13th, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 pm

 

Visit HEAL Utah’s event page for more information and to RSVP!

 

“As someone who has grown up in Utah my whole life, I’ve only ever seen our air quality become worse over the years,” says Kaile Akina of HEAL Utah. “Utah residents work hard enough as it is to get food on the table. We have a right to full transparency from our lawmakers over policies that will affect our lives over the next 5, 10, to 20 years, with access to protected resources until solutions that benefit our most vulnerable populations are in motion such as investing in public transit and active transit access and infrastructure, proactive intervention of dust and wildfire smoke mitigation, and restoring the Great Salt Lake’s health. Locally and globally, clean air is one of many just living conditions we have the right to, not just the privilege.”

 

Stacia Ryder, Assistant Professor, School of Social Sciences, Utah State University says “Over the last decade I have worked on research that explores perceptions and impacts of environmental issues on people and communities. As a newcomer to Utah in the last few years, it quickly became apparent that air quality issues are a major concern. This became even more apparent in my personal life as I became a first-time parent here in Utah. We are so thrilled to be able to help improve residents’ indoor air qualities, offering some short-term protections while we explore what ideas community members have for how we can develop long-term solutions for the lake, its ecosystem and Utahns.” 

 

https://livewildfiremap.com/utah-wildfire-map/

https://attheu.utah.edu/facultystaff/utahs-historic-fire-season-of-2026/ 

https://www.healutah.org/events1/make-your-own-air-purifier-ogden-library/ 

https://www.healutah.org/events1/diyairpurifierkearns/

https://www.healutah.org/events/

https://www.healutah.org/air-roads-and-seasons-lessons-from-utahs-transportation-impact/ 

https://www.healutah.org/ourwork/cleanair/